CONCRETE ISSUE 01
emerging
M AY 2 0 1 5
Online Magazine Avaiable on creativeaccess.org.uk
In association with Intern magazine
We have partnered with Intern magazine giving you a sneak preview of this month’s job list: SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT - PRETTYLITTLETHING (MANCHESTER) DIGITAL CONTENT MARKETING ASSISTANT - BOOHOO (MANCHESTER) ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR – JOULES (MARKET HARBOROUGH) TRAINEE MERCHANDISER - NEXT (LEICESTER) ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER – NEXT (LEICESTER) FASHION INTERNSHIP - LOVECLOTHING.COM (NORWICH) FASHION MARKETING INTERN - OH POLLY (LIVERPOOL) DIGITAL CONTENT MARKETING ASSISTANT – BOOHOO.COM (MANCHESTER) PATTERN CUTTER - BOOHOO.COM (MANCHESTER) MERCHANDISE ADMIN ASSISTANT - BOOHOO.COM (MANCHESTER) PATTERN AND GRADING DEPARTMENT INTERN - PAUL SMITH (NOTTINGHAM) MENSWEAR DESIGN INTERNSHIP - BOOHOO.COM (MANCHESTER) FASHION SALES AND MARKETING PLACEMENT - LITTLE HILL PEOPLE (CHESHIRE) KNITWEAR DESIGN PLACEMENT - YASHI MALHOTRA (NOTTINGHAM) DESIGN & CUTTING INTERNSHIP – GORGEOUS COUTURE (AUDENSHAW) PR/MARKETING/FASHION EVENTS ASSISTANT - BLOGGERS TREND (SHEFFIELD) CUSTOMER SERVICE/MARKETING ASSISTANT – DUKE AND DEXTER (OXFORDSHIRE) TEMPORARY ECOMMERCE DIGITAL RETOUCHER – PAUL SMITH LTD (NOTTINGHAM) ECOMMERCE DIGITAL RETOUCHER - PAUL SMITH LTD (NOTTINGHAM) JUNIOR WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER – REVOLVER CLOTHING (MANCHESTER) PR & MARKETING PLACEMENT – MONKEE GENES (YOULGRAVE) FASHION PRODUCTION INTERN - LITTLE HILL PEOPLE (WILMSLOW) ECOMMERCE/MARKETING PLACEMENT - IKRUSH (GLASGOW) FASHION MARKETING/PR INTERNSHIP - KATTRI (OXFORD) TRAINEE MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST VACANCY - LOUGHBOROUGH AND SHEPSHED ECHO (LOUGHBOROUGH) INTERNSHIP – HEEHAW (EDINBURGH) For more jobs and to apply check out: http://internmagazine.co.uk/ or visit them on twitter: @InternMagUK
CONTRIBUTORS
Editor
Sodia Dioum
Writers
Contributing Writers
Photographers
Contributors
Soda Dioum Kenneth Brav Soda Dioum Flight Lord Vega Jake Buckley Kez Coo Samantha Kavanagh Thomas Van Cam
Larhysa Saddul Priya Giga Nastja Kasic Haya Junaid Jamie Martin Jayce Attride
EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to the CONCRETE universe. Guy’s first of all just want to say thank you for reading! I have been truly blessed as I have been able to collaborate with some really talented people to bring you the first Issue of Concrete Magazine! I am just a Londoner wanting to share my appreciation for all creative arts whether that be fashion or dance. Concrete is all about the discovery of fresh talent and giving people a platform to express themselves. I hope you enjoy what I have in store for you and stay tuned for what’s to come in the future!! Much Love
INTERVIEW
CONTENTS
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T O P 1 0 I N S TA G R A M B R A N D S
12
LOWIKEE
16
GRIME SCENE SAVIOUR
18
THE PIT LDN
20
TOP 10 SUMMER SONGS
24
T H E AY O S AT O E X P E R I E N C E
26
THE INDUSTRY
28
B E A U T Y S H O U L D H A V E N O S TA N D A R D S
32
JUDGE ME BY MY WORK
36
BEING A WOMAN OF COLOUR
38
Model, Fashion PR student and part time Raver Tyler Wright is breath of fresh air in this sometimes uptight industry we call fashion. Armed with his perfect bone structure splashed with some light freckles, combined with his charismatic personality Ty Wright is a forced to be reckoned with. He has modelled for the likes of DKNY, HBA and Adidas and has become one of the new recognisable faces in the industry. I caught up with him to have quick chitchat about his career and diversity in the industry. 10
TYLER WRIGHT So Ty, When did you start modelling – tell us about the move from anti agency I started modelling when I was about 18 - but I had been scouted previously but never actually got signed to an agency until then. Fast forward almost 3 years I took massive step up in my career and I am now signed to AMCK model management. It has been a massive change for me. I mean I had never really worked as ‘Full time’ model before and obviously moving agency, a much bigger agency, meant that I was now getting more great opportunities than ever before. What are some the proudest moments in your career? I have worked really hard to be where I am at this moment in my life and I have had some amazing highlights. Some of the proudest moments in
my career so far is definitely walking the catwalks of the fashion capitals Paris London and Milan. Modelling for some of the most talented designers in the world was an absolute honour. My campaign for Topman is also something I am really proud off. What are some of the challenges you have faced/ facing in your career? I wouldn’t say I have faced any really challenges in my career so far but honestly right Now my biggest struggles are juggling Uni, modelling and raving but it’s nothing I can’t handle! So let’s talk about the obvious lack of diversity in the Modelling Industry, do you think this issue will affect your career? Yeh man I definitely agree with you there. It is 100% true there is a lack of diversity within the
fashion industry, I don’t think the industry fairly represents the vast amount of other ethnicities within our society. I think there is certain jobs that I am aware I probably won’t get based on my skin colour, but me attending castings and getting jobs is a step in the right directions, one small step at a time but I do think there is a lot more to be done to insure we see a wider range of diverse backgrounds on our catwalks and campaigns. What would like to see in the future of fashion? I'd defo like to see a more diverse fashion industry, seeing more ethnic boys on big campaign jobs or walking for top designers out in Paris, London, Milan and New York, that’s what I hope for within the fashion industry.
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TOP 10 BRANDS ON INSTAGRAM
TOP 10 FASHION BRANDS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR PURCHASE
one boutique
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One boutique is a London based fashion label established in 2014, they aim to make unique and affordable fashion. They create bold yet simple designs that are bound to make a statement, all the production is UK based and they are all about ethical and high quality fashion.
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FOR COOLNESS
Anna Seven London is a London based fashion and clothing brand, but it’s more than just a label it is a movement. Founded by twins Susanna and Joanna Olasaji, they create unique and trendy apparel that brings a freshness, diversity and a funky flow to ready to wear fashion.
09 anna seven london
FOR INSPIRATION
This one is for the ladies, TWOOSIE is great if you want to make a bold statement this summer, Twoosie sell limited edition two pieces that are unique and exclusive, so long gone are the days of getting caught in the dreaded same outfit situation. Twoosie release small, fast and limited collections with no more than 15 pieces of each design, these designs are fun quirky and unique.
headless flywear
06
07 nicce london
twoosie
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NICCE London is a contemporary street wear brand that focuses on developing a clean and honest approach to fashion. Drawing inspiration from London’s ever changing culture and music scene. NICCE LONDON is an exciting mix of traditional ideas with contemporary cuts.
Headlessflywear is another steetwear guaranteed to make a bold statement. Based in London but taking influences from American Hip-hop culture and sport. Their products are geared toward everybody male or female.
Keep reading to find out who our #1 brand is >> 13
05
Our favorite picks >>
ELEVATE EDUCATE is a steetwear brand with a positive message they believe they can educate and elevate through fashion their clothing has been worn by the likes Etta Bond and little mix. Their clothing is heavily influenced the 80’s and 90’s era and the positivity that surrounds them.
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shannon
christopher
IWHORETEES is a steetwear brands that represents young women doing something positive. Simple designs combined with their daring imagery and typography, it is guaranteed to make people turn their heads.
04
03 educate elevate
iwhoretees
Christopher Shannon is a British clothing brand that has taken a contemporary and artistic take to steetwear apparel. It is obvious the brand is heavily influenced by Greek culture, as they heavily use Grecian statues on their items. Christopher Shannon is unique and playful.
yevu clothing
02
YEVU clothing was founded in 2013 and is a clothing line ethically made in Ghana. It aims to celebrate the vibrancy, colour and chaos of West African print by offering simple and contemporary designs to the wider market for men and women
*DRUMROLL*
AND THE WINNER IS...
01
Our top pick for this months best brand has to go to the genuises behind what is Lazy Oaf. Lazy Oaf is a London Based fashion label designing bright bold clothing and accessories for men and for women. Lazy Oaf collections are notoriously colourful, cartoon focussed and always with an element of weirdness. They have a unique vision that references street wear and youth nostalgia.
lazy oaf
Over here at CONCRETE we have been giving our support to Lazy Oaf before this magazine even started! It seemed only right they come out on top. Check out their blog for regular updates of the craziness that happens behind the scenes at Lazy Oaf HQ at www.lazyoaf.com/blog. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook too by searching @lazyoaf. 15
LOWIKEE In an age where anybody with a camera and a social media presence can find quick fame in fashion and music, Lowikee is a contemporary refreshing lifestyle brand that bridges the gap between the two. So, tell me about the origins of Lowkiee – how did it all come about? It was in my second year of uni when the whole idea and concept really kind of fell into place. The name and rough concept came about before when I was about 18, studying for my a-levels. The initial idea was for a music blog, but as time developed I wanted it to be bigger and more than that, so the whole lifestyle concept came about where everything, fashion, music, etc. is involved. So because of all the free time I had in my second year of Uni, I started creating design ideas, branding and I just kind of started building the idea from there. What are you inspired by? Other artists inspire me, creators in all kind of fields inspire me. The concept of building and inspiring othees inspires me and I think that definitely comes across through Lowkiee. On our youtube channel 'lowkieeTV' we try support other artists eg musicians painters etc. by carrying out sessions with them showcasing there talent and stories. Which we want to share as they have inspired or moved us in some way.
Whats next on the agenda? Right now It is all about trying to sort out funding, so going over our core fundamentals and business plan. So hopefully soon we can release a full line. Expect to see more videos on our YouTube channel and better quality. Generally just pumping out more material and expanding our market and product line. Fashion and music go hand in hand, music is inspired by fashion and fashion inspired by music so vice versa. Why music meeting fashion? Fashion meeting music is a natural crossover, it makes sense. Especially now in this era, hip-hop artists are really bridging the gap by trying to create their own brands but the links always been there look at Madonna! So as a lifestyle brand we like to dabble in whatever creative interest we want to share, be it street-wear, music or events, it's all part of our lifestyle!
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GRIME SCENE
SAVIOUR 18
Let’s take it back. Remember that house party where they said ‘invite only’ but you brought the mandem through? Group Culture Remember that MC clash in secondary school where everyone showed up and you went nuts for your guy even though he was losing? Group Culture Remember that radio set where you brought every spitter from your crew with you even though the producer only wanted you? Group Culture Remember when Skepta brought the mandem to The Brits and everyone called them backup dancers? Group Culture? Group culture is key to Grime. Always has been always will be. This is what we’ve come from. Why should we then disregard it when we need it most? From Eskimo Dance to Sidewinder to Fuck Radio, the Grime scene coming together to produce something special has always been the norm.
We respect US rappers for the respect they’ve managed to command, enough so that 15+ Grime artists are on stage at The Brits uninvited. We don’t need to imitate Rap but doesn’t mean we can’t capitalise off of their success. Skepta helped seize the moment, the public may not like it but it’s in your face and hopefully it’s here to stay. This group culture allowed us to say “We’re here whether you like it or not!” They may have misinterpreted as gang or mob mentality but so be it. This is grime, love it or hate it. What Skepta did at the Brits for Kanye’s performance is the epitome of the Grime scene and group culture: unapologetically in your face and bringing through your boys just for the opportunity. Skepta could have easily have went there with JME, Jammer and the rest of BBK but chose to call people 1/2 hours before Kanye is due on stage to share the love. For all the points I’ve read discrediting what happened at The Brits, I don’t see how this can negatively impact the Grime Scene or the people on stage. You see backup dancers, I see young black men who already know they’re at a disadvantage due to how the scene is perceived and sticking two fingers up at the people who consciously choose not to show appreciation.
Very few knew that days later they would be performing on stage with Kanye. Keyword: With. I found it interesting that the set list of the show looked like something we would see at The Block. No one artist dominating, the passing of mics, the You would never find the best 15 US rappers 10 man on a stage at once. It felt like a polished sharing a stage and going back and forth on stage. grime setup. I don’t doubt Skepta and Virgil’s influence on this. Surely respect works before This is Grime ways if this is the case. You would never find 5 of the best US rappers on As long as the respect from other scenes for Grime one radio set spraying for an hour. is authentic then we shouldn’t have a problem. This is Grime You would never go to a US rapper’s concert and expect the rest of the scene to step on stage spontaneously and start shelling. This is Grime
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LDN 20
The Pit LDN is the latest venture causing waves in the London raving scene. Pit LDN brings you the best in HipHop, RNB and grime. It is not only a platform that showcases talented underground DJ’s and Artists. But it is a SICK night out that’s guaranteed to bang!! I had a quick catch up with some of the gang to find out more about the Pit LDN movement & to get a sneaky insight into the minds of this talented crew!
W
hat inspired Pit LDN?
We were inspired to start the Pit LDN mainly out of frustration from the lack of good hip hop nights that support up and coming rappers. Too often hip hop nights put on artists that have huge fan bases and have been around for years. This makes it hard for underground artists to gain recognition if you don’t have the following of people like Skepta or even Stormzy. So tell me a little bit more about you guys behind the scenes at Pit LDN Well there are two of us that run the Pit LDN. There’s myself Alfred Afari I Co founded and host of the event alongside Tramell ‘Darkstepper’ Nicole who not only founded this movement with me but is also our head DJ. Tramell is one of the biggest rising DJ’s on the UK and provides a breath of fresh air to the scene with her vast knowledge of music. I have been doing events from 2008 starting I use to throw Under 18 events so I definitely understand the overall structure of events and what is needed to bring success. 21
What makes Pit LDN different to what is already out there? Our core aim is to allow quality up and coming artists and DJs a chance to present themselves to a wider audience. We also like to continuously support our artists through our links in radio and promotion on our social media. This is what separates us from any other urban promotion out there. We are constantly listening online and going to venues to seek out the best artists Hip Hop has to offer. We believe that our hard work will allow them enough of an audience to show case their skills to a new fan base and hopefully be recognised by other influential people that attend our events So how is it going so far? What has the response been like? The movement we have started has been phenomenal so far. We are so happy about the support we have had from the DJs to the artists; the venues and of course all the people that have attended our events so far. We make very calculated decisions to ensure everyone has the best time possible. What’s Next for the Pit LDN? We plan to expand our reach by using bigger venues; reaching different areas of London and eventually the UK; come with innovative line ups and also have the best time while doing it. We also have some collaborations with other like-minded promotions in the future lined up.
Make sure to check out their next show on the 30th of May at Notting Hill Arts Club with 3OW and PBGR. They will be looking forward to seeing some new faces at The Pit. Also be sure to follow them on... Twitter/Instagram: @thepitldn Facebook: The Pit LDN 22
“WE ARE CONSTANTLY LISTENING ONLINE AND GOING TO VENUES TO SEEK OUT THE BEST ARTISTS HIP HOP HAS TO OFFER.”
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TOP 10 SONGS FOR
SUMMER 1 Donae’o & Carnao Beats – Gone In The Morning (Tough Love Remix) 2 My Digital Enemy – Desire Life (Original Mix) 3 Prince Club – Came Back (Original Club Mix) 4 Don Corleone & Tavo – Handle The Pressure (Luca Debonaire Omerta Mix) 5 Tommyboy – Can You Feel It 6 Tristan – Moontune (Lucas & Steve Dub Mix) 7 Eric Tyrell & Tiger K – Together (Tune Brothers Remix) 8 Nalin & Kane – Beachball (Chris Lake Remix) 9 David Penn – A Different Story (D.Ramirez Fully Analog Remix) 10 Patrick Topping – Forget (Original Mix)
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DJ Steve Slim has been spinning the very best in house for the past two and a half years. Check out his pod casts for the very best selections in house music that will ensure to get you guys moving those feet and cutting them shapes. Within the past two months, Steven has played gigs at some of the top nightclubs in London and is due to play at the opening of On Bar Manchester in May 2015. Check him out on Soundcloud @DJSTEVESLIM 25
THE AYO SATO
EXPERIENCE I had the opportunity to undertake a Vogueing dance class in London with Japanese duo Ayo Sato. They are not only a team in choreographing, photographing and being all round media artists. But they are two women who are madly in love and engaged to be married despite Japan deeming gay marriage illegal.
It is this ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude that have propelled these two women to the top. They are fierce and individual; despite japan oppressing self-expression through dance, they have rose and have taken vogueing main stream. My time in the Ayo Sato class was interesting to say the least. I had gone because I wanted to learn a few vogueing moves that I could whip out in the club, little did I know I was going to be 26 24
partaking in a class filled with an array of professional dancers and choreographers. I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle to keep up or if I said I understood all the dance terminology they were coming out with but I guess that is what made the overall experience so entertaining. At first I was a little sceptical about being surrounded by professional dancers but that quickly changed when the class started and I forgot about being self-conscience. There was a group of us ‘none professional’ who were situated in the corner at the back of room (thankfully), it was hilarious trying to navigate the dance moves or working out what the Ayo Sato girls were saying. Phrases like ‘feel your lines’ were being thrown about, which if I’m honest up until now I still don’t
quite understand what that means. The overall experience of the class was amazing, the excited energy in the room was unmistakeable. The Ayo Sato girls were truly inspirational teachers and I surprised myself by doing better than I thought as dancing isn’t exactly my forte. I participated in something that was truly out of my comfort zone and I had a great time doing so. I think I would definitely have to agree with nashbrownie! If your
‘I LOVE AYO SATO - THE BEST DANCE CLASS I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!!’ @nashbrownie
interesting in learning how to Vogue and Ayo Sato are coming to a city near you, then I definitely suggest you check it out whatever your dancing ability may be because it is an experience that will leave you with a smile on your face.
THE WORLD’S FIRST SPIRIT DISTILLED FROM HONEY & PINEAPPLE
@houseofmelo
@houseofmelo
www.houseofmelo.com 25
THE INDUSTRY
F
our years ago I started my Journey on becoming a Public Relations graduate and today I am almost at the finish line. I would be lying if I said I haven’t struggled for the last 48 months, as my life has been one big juggling act, but I guess that’s what happens when you are passed the baton to adulthood. But anyway this article isn’t about my coming of age story or my trials and tribulations. It is about how I fucked my way into one the most competitive graduate schemes in the country. Let me start by saying I did not prostitute myself for the role. Well maybe I did, but quite indirectly and definitely unintentionally. It all started during one of my desperate hours of extreme brokenness in which I was due to fly out to New York in 3 days but I had no spending money to speak off so I found myself posting an ad 28
on the site craigslist. For those of you who are not aware of what craigslist is, Imagine gum tree but with added sordidness, it’s a site where some seek to fulfil their dirtiest fantasies. It’s a realm full off strange fetishes and where sexual frustration is the forefront of the ‘personals section’ but most importantly it’s a place you can meet men willing to pay for your time. My first ever craigslist meet was actually a major success, I was completely shitting it, but it was all rooftops and champagne. I spent the evening being adored by a beautiful chocolate man who was not only attractive and young but he was actually interesting. I left £200 richer and I was hooked. He was the first of many; I fell in love with the easy money, the luxuries and the thrill of meeting a complete stranger. However it isn’t always plain sailing, Escorting is a risky business and I have been fortunate enough not to land myself in any dangerous situations.
I mean I have had my fair share of needy and obsessive clients but I have always thought a lonely man texting you a hundred times a day is far better than a black eye or worse. So who was the man who gave me the job of my dreams? Well? Lets call him Mr X Before I go on let me just highlight I am not obliged and I do not sleep with all the men I meet. But Mr X was different, he literally charmed the pants of me, He was what one would call a silver fox, well groomed well dressed and a well off bank account to match. He was the ultimate gentleman. I was in awe, He was everything I had ever wanted in a sugar daddy Attractive Generous and Married. He treated me like his princess spoiling me with shopping trips and weekends away. But it was more than just the material stuff he took an actual interest in me that extended further then the physicality of our relationship and
despite the 20 year age gap we were never short of conversation. But it was all built on a façade; I mean he didn’t even know my real name. We had both had created a bed of lies of in an attempt to conceal our true identities from one another, to protect ourselves. But occasionally we would both slip up and we’d get a sample of reality. One day after one to many glasses of champagne. He asked me about my future my hopes, my dreams my; aspirations post uni. Usually when someone asks me these types of questions, I tend to roll my eyes and respond ‘I just want to be happy’ but he seemed so genuinely interested and that the façade I had kept up for so long, momentarily disappeared. I began jabbering on about my PR degree and his grey eyes lit up, the more I spoke, the more animated and excited he seemed to get. It was like with the words Public Relations I had handed him a pot of gold. He was adamant that my dreams would come true and everything would work out perfectly…. I guess that should have been my first warning. From that moment on he became more and more obsessed with my progress at university, As weeks slipped by he began pressuring me about networking and getting more work experience in the PR industry. Our time together became less about pleasure and more about my future he began grooming me and I was completely unaware of it. Sirens should have been going off when he started suggesting graduate schemes and internships to apply for. But at the time I felt lost and I was drowning in university work so I was grateful for the extra support he had spent the last few months giving me. I should have been suspicious but I remained completely naïve and went along with his suggestion not once did I question his knowledge or insight. 25
The day I was offered an interview with one the biggest creative companies in the UK, he was the first person I rang to spread the good news. This was a graduate scheme that had over 5000 applicants but he didn’t even seemed one bit surprised that I was one of 20 they had selected to interview. He remained completely blasé about the whole situation, even though he is type of man to celebrate even the smallest of achievements – that should have been another warning. But I was completely unaware of anything until the day of the interview arrived… Imagine walking into an interview and seeing the man who has not only seen you naked but has been paying for the pleasure for the best part of a year. He was completely unnerved as our eyes met, he remained as calm and collective as ever, meanwhile I was having internal meltdown. I remember the slight smirk on his lips as he saw me, He seemed completely unfazed I mean how did he know to expect me, I had given a fake name a fake everything. I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole; I was on the verge of a panic attack, I wanted to shout expletives at the top of my lungs but most of all I wanted to grab Mr X and shake him as hard as I could until he explained himself. It was definitely at that moment where I thought I should really change professions. I am clearly a natural at this acting malarkey because although I was in complete turmoil within, I some how managed to retain my composure throughout the whole entire time minus some excess sweating. 30
I was amazed I got through the whole interview smoothly, I came across as professional and articulate; not like I had spent the previous weekend sucking my Interviewers Dick, Did I mention he happened to be the CEO of the company. MR X WAS THE C.E.O!! Six weeks had passed and I hadn’t heard anything. Mr X hadn’t spoken to me since the interview he never returned any of my calls or texts. He had just vanished from my life and I assumed the prospect of a job had vanished with him So you can imagine the shock when I got the call telling me I got the Job – It was the biggest surprise of my life, I was rendered speechless and I am the type of girl who has always got something to say and I mean always.(I even sleep talk) I guess what Mr X had drummed into me was true it is not about what you know but who you know when it comes to the Media industry. Fortunately being his whore had benefitted me greatly, not only did he give me a job but he made sure I was equipped with skills to do it to the best of my ability. It has been almost three months since I have seen or spoken to Mr X and sometimes I get that weird feeling that we have some unfinished business, I would be lying if I said didn’t miss the good times. He had become more than just a source of income unknowingly he became my mentor and for that I am forever grateful to him.
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BEAUTY SHOULD HAVE
NO STANDARDS Harnaam Kaur or known to some as the bearded dame is not only a model and a muse; she is a symbol of strength and self-love. In this modern day world where we are constantly projected someone else’s beauty standards. A place where social media has given atheistic envy a ground to manifest. There is something powerful and refreshing about someone who can put there middle finger up at society’s standard of beauty and embrace who they are completely.
From speaking to Harnaam she exuded such a positive and confident energy, so it was a shock to learn that there was a time where she completely hated her body, she was severely bullied, her peers mocked her relentlessly calling her fat and ugly. So when she started growing a beard due to PCOS, a syndrome that effects female hormones. The ammunition for this bullying only strengthened and it led her to self-harming and even thoughts of suicide. After years of self-hating she realised all these negative thoughts of taking her own life were draining and stopping her from reaching her full potential. She allowed the fear of contemplating death prevail and realised that she wanted to live, and be happy; so she turned all of that negative energy
into something positive and took world that we don’t actually control of her life. have to look a certain way to be accepted. She explains ‘My life Like most things making is about living outside of a box changes to negative thought that we are continuously put in patterns are easier said than by society, and I shall continue done but Harnaam remained to help people to love and motivated, she decided to grow appreciate themselves in the out her beard and learnt to best way that I can’ love herself in her entirety. She explained that it was a hard and She has become a selflengthy process where at times appointed spokeswoman for she would digress into old habits body confidence and has created but she stuck it out and now she an anti-bullying campaign a loves herself mind body and short film named labels that was soul. aired on ITV news which can be viewed at:
"SHE WANTED TO LIVE, AND BY HAPPY; SO SHE TURNED ALL OF THAT NEGATIVE ENERGY INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE AND TOOK CONTROL OF HER LIFE"
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=UicgTq73MB4
Since coming out publicly about the bullying in her past and PCOS she has had a lot of support from women who are in similar situations. ‘It is heart-warming when women approach me and tell me that they have found some sort of inspiration and comfort from my story’. However it is not just women she has inspired but men have also reached out and explained how her life’s journey has helped them look at their bodies in a different and more loving way. ‘It makes me happy These experiences of self- that having gone through all the loathing and depression put struggles and overcoming them Harnaam on the right path can actually give other people and caused her to change all hope’. aspects of her life. She now aspires to become a successful Her popularity has soared and diverse model to help show the gone are the days of bullying >> 33
>> instead she is embraced and celebrated. She is approached on the streets by people who have read her story online and found some sort of inspiration. She has been on T.V, radio, magazines and newspapers to share her story. She has even had her portrait taken by well-known photographer Brock Elbank for his Project60 series in aid of Jimmy Niggles Beard season Charity to help raise awareness of Melanoma Cancer. Her portrait was one of the few portraits that were enlarged and showcased on the walls of the most prestigious exhibition venues, Somerset House London. Harnaam Kaur has a kind and beautiful spirit and from changing 34
her mind-set she has not only changed her own life but the lives others. Instead of dwelling on negative pass experiences she embraced them and this is why she has become such an inspiration on social media and in life. I asked Harnaam to leave us with one final message and this is what she had to say ‘My message to everyone would be to forget what people say, and think about themselves and their lives. We know what is best for us and our world. People will always criticize us for who we are, where we come from and for the way that we look. My body grew facial hair so I was bullied, I removed my facial hair and I
was called a ‘man who shaves.’ Regardless of what we try to do to fit in, people will not look past the shadow that covers their eyes. Each and every one of us has beauty bestowed within us, and we should celebrate that beauty with the upmost joy. We need to realise that everyone is different in their own unique way. Why not celebrate magnificence that we hold within us, rather than critique it. We spend too much time being unhappy; we should surround ourselves with beautiful souls and live contently. Our bodies are our own, we should cherish them whole heartedly’
JUDGE ME BY MY WORK
NOT MY FACE
Image is everything in this modern day world, and many artists have come to the realisation that people are judging them not purely from their work but from their social media profiles, what they look like and who they are as individuals. This series looks at the works of Graphic designers, animated character designers and photographers, they ask for you not to judge them for who they are but judge them from their work.
JAMIE MARTIN Portfolio: jamiemartin.co.uk Instagram: EVERYTHINGSLIVE Through photography I feel like I can truly express myself and help people view the world the way I see it. One of the things I enjoy the most about photography is shooting on film and not knowing what the outcome is going to be until it is developed. I am influenced by my surroundings, which could be anything from buildings to people etc. My aspirations would be to simply create a name for myself and for people to be able to recognise my work in print and online. I want people to fall in love with my photography because they genuinely like the work not because of who I am as an individual.
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JAYCE ATTRIDE Portfolio: tsjas.daportfolio.com Deviantart: tsjas.deviantart.com Instagram: tsjas I have been drawing from the moment I could hold a pencil and I have studied most art forms. My goal is to make a breakthrough into the video game industry with my innovative style and unique storytelling abilities. I am heavily influenced by Tetsuya Nomura and Clayton Crain as I feel their work displays realism aswell as great creativity. TSJAS is the beginning of what I plan to one day make into a big company. But the world seems to be more interested in my Afro and the cuteness of smile so please judge me from my work not my face.
HAYA JUNAID Portfolio: higherandhaya.co.uk Instagram: higherandhaya I am more than just a pretty face I am a talented graphic designer and it would be nice if the folks on Instagram would recognise this. Art has been my passion ever since I can remember and my goal is to have my work recognised on all platforms. I am influenced by the world around me and artists that have come before me. 37
I was inspired to publish accounts by two young women who have felt the effects of the lack of diversity in the Film and Acting industry.
It is no secret that in life we face many battles, some harder than others; sometimes gender and race play a part in these challenges.
BEING A WOMAN OF COLOUR IN THE FILM INDUSTRY Trying to make my way in ‘the in, but to stick specifically to industry’ is hard enough being ethnic characters and theatre a woman; seeing as men still companies for British Asians. get paid more for the same jobs and the industry is absolutely “I WAS dominated by many perverse CONSTANTLY and egotistical men that don’t believe woman are equals. But TOLD THAT being a woman of colour is a whole other story. It’s no lie IT WOULD BE that the majority of successful people in the creative industries DIFFICULT are middle aged, white, males. I couldn’t be more opposite. FOR ME AS I'M Getting my degree in Acting and Global theatre at university did not prepare me for the real world, not completely. I was constantly told that it would be difficult for me as I’m ‘different’ and that I shouldn’t even try to go for normal roles I’m interested 40
'DIFFERENT'” Although my tutors were forced to give me parts for productions, they were not true to what I would play in real life. Unfortunately there are more roles for men out there so in around 85% of the
productions I stared in, I played a white man. Whether I was an alcoholic French man or a little boy or even an obese, hairy, Russian man with a lisp; roles I definitely wouldn’t audition for or get the part of in the real world. But even playing these parts, mostly comedic roles, I was asked if I could do “the Indian head thing” or my class mates would ignorantly pass comments about my race or what they thought was my race. Making up a language that sounded like Hindi and dance around like monkeys believing that’s what Bhangra dancing is. I’m not directly Indian for the record and I found the constant narrow-mindedness ironically funny as we were there to learn about GLOBAL theatre.
It also made me realise that there must be real people that think like this in the actual industry, and there are. However, despite all of that, I did try to be different, to audition for roles with no specific race or ethnicity, even for university short films, but I didn’t get anywhere. I did manage to bag a staged reading with North London Actors playing a mixed race; Indian and Welsh girl, where I would typically have to put on an Indian accent. Fortunately I impressed the directors, experienced actors and audience. However it was a shame that I impressed them with a role representing such a stereotypically weak female character: promiscuous, abused and left by the one she loves. What’s worse was I had the only female role and was the only actress, so that is how a classic and well known play sadly represents women, especially one of colour. Even my first real short film that I had the lead in was of a troubled young Indian girl wanting to quit her studies, leave her white boyfriend and potential bright future to live in a rural village in India.
Indian, Spanish, and Fijian etc. It shouldn’t necessarily matter but where I’m from is apparently a big deal and defines my future. I believe my confusing appearance is my unique selling point, I believed this is what made me cast-able and stand out. However being a woman of colour that one can’t just stick a label, a country and an accent on is perhaps my biggest problem. I have graduated and looking for acting work is
ridiculously hard, as it is for all actors. However I believe the way I look is definitely making, breaking in to the industry a lot harder. Most of my former classmates have got work for period pieces or productions set in Europe or productions where the characters are family members; white only casts. Speaking to the directors I know, both experienced and amateurs have enlightened me to the fact that they only believe in colour casting. A person of colour >>
I am realising that directors, writers and even audience members like to categorise people. Black, white, Chinese, generally mixed race, Indian or Pakistani. It doesn’t get much more diverse than that. However I don’t really fall in to any of these categories. My background and heritage is confusing and people never know what race I am or where my family is from. People have queried whether I am Pilipino, 41
>> will be cast for a reason relating to the production; not just because perhaps there are coloured people doing normal jobs in western countries and could represent this in creative productions.
"COLOURED WOMEN SHOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO SHOW THE WORLD THEIR TALENTS." So what I’ve learnt is that unless I want to play a terrorist or typical Indian although I can’t speak any other language other than English, there’s not much work for me out there. But it won’t stop me. I will break in to the industry and prove that coloured women should be given a chance to show the world their talents. Therefore I am making a production company, directing, writing and acting myself so I can play who I want, without limitations. I will find a way to play a multitude of diverse characters belonging to many different races and ethnicities. I want to create strong female characters that do not give in to the weak and negative stereotypes. I will find a way to subvert conventions, take away the labels and represent coloured women. Hopefully there are a lot more woman of all races willing to work hard to get to the top, to show that we are just as good as anyone else. 42
I
read an article about how there are very little working class producers in the film industry. It's a private party that for many years was run by white middle class men over the age of 55. I wanted to be a producer working in British Cinema but who would give an invitation to a little brown girl under the age of 24? I had a meeting with a documentary filmmaker at SoHo House. I've been there several times over the last two years. The filmmaker was running late. I looked up and scanned the room. Other than Noel Clarke, who was sitting by himself, the entire floor was filled with white middle class men and women over 45. How is this still happening? We're in the 21st century, there is a black man running the country of freedom! I was angry, matter of fact, I was furious!
I looked back over the years. I did my first film course with all white youths. I went to university in a class full of white people. I was completely blind until this moment. I was in denial. The veil in front of my eyes had fallen and there was no way to contain my feelings.
"THE ENTIRE FLOOR WAS FILLED WITH WHITE MIDDLE CLASS MEN AND WOMEN OVER 45." I went on to work at DDA PR. I sat at a desk that was surrounded by middle class white women. I felt uncomfortable. I don't belong here, I shouldn't be sitting at the same table as them, should I? I got to know them a little better and yes they were like every other girl. They talk about fashion, boys and celebrities. But they all looked alike, all behaved the same, spoke in the same way, and dressed the same way. They were either from Berkshire or Surrey. I don't know how I got this job but it was astonishing that I did. I started to speak 'proper', dressed up in the latest highstreet fashion, smoked more than I usually would. Once my placement was done I evaluated myself. I should be
comfortable in my beautiful brown skin and shouldn't change simply to fit in. What's the point hiding my identity. I'm not going to turn white or suddenly become a middle class woman. Now I'm working on writing a TV show about an Indian girl in Southall. When I pitch to producers and to my fellow writers I enjoy myself. I have begun to embrace myself and I am proud to be speaking
in my west London accent, wearing my Bob Marley top to work; I will always look around the room and still see one other black guy. It's going to be tough, I will always feel like I'm out of place, I may even cry because of it. But I accept it because I'm talented and every white man in this industry is going to see that first. I'm a woman, working class, brown, dyslexic and an astonishing individual with persistence.
"I SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE IN MY BEAUTIFUL BROWN SKIN AND SHOULDN'T CHANGE SIMPLY TO FIT IN. WHAT'S THE POINT IN HIDING MY IDENTITY."
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emerged